KNS College Receives National Accreditation For Certificate & Diploma Programs
By Marilyn King
The Knowledge Solution (KNS) College in Freetown on Friday 6th December, 2024, celebrated a major milestone with its official accreditation ceremony, recognizing its commitment to excellence in education and professional training. The event, held at KNS College, was a testament to the collaborative efforts of the institution’s staff, stakeholders, and partners.
In his address, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KNS College, Ing. Desmond Macfoy, proudly announced the college’s accreditation by the National Council for Technical Vocational and Other Academic Awards (NCTVA). This accreditation allows KNS College to offer certificate and diploma programs, a significant achievement for the institution. Ing. Macfoy emphasized that this milestone reflects KNS College’s dedication to providing high-quality education and training, empowering Sierra Leone’s workforce and future leaders.
He also highlighted KNS College’s role as an official partner for Pearson VUE and Certiport, global leaders in professional certification. Through these partnerships, the college offers industry-specific training and certification programs in fields like IT, business, and technology. Students who complete these programs will earn internationally recognized credentials in high-demand areas such as Microsoft, Cisco, AWS, and EC-Council, equipping them to excel in both local and global job markets.
“The accreditation opens up many opportunities for our students, as we can now offer a range of certificate and diploma programs tailored to meet the needs of both students and employers in Sierra Leone,” Ing. Macfoy added. He also mentioned that as part of their initiative to support students, KNS College offers a free computer to students enrolled in computer studies, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.
Dr. Issa Fofanah, a lecturer at IPAM University, commended KNS College for reaching this significant milestone, noting the dedication, rigor, and tireless efforts required to achieve accreditation. He emphasized the growing importance of Information Technology as a foundational element of modern industries, highlighting KNS College’s role in transforming the educational landscape.
KNS College Board Chairman, Chinedu Nwaefuna, reflected on the institution’s journey, stating that although it had been a challenging road to accreditation, the college is now firmly established and committed to making a lasting impact. He expressed confidence that KNS College will continue to improve educational standards and contribute positively to the next generation of learners.
The accreditation process, as detailed by Mrs. Adama Barnester, Team Lead of Accreditation at NCTVA, was rigorous and involved multiple steps. NCTVA received KNS College’s application on February 1, 2024, and required the submission of various documents, including curricula and staff credentials. A comprehensive concept note addressing key areas such as staffing, governance, sustainability, and inclusivity was also submitted.
The ceremony culminated with the official presentation of the accreditation certificate from NCTVA to CEO Desmond Macfoy, marking a historic moment for KNS College and solidifying its position as a leading institution in Sierra Leone’s education sector.